Wanderu Logo
Canada flag
  • Canada
$
Log in
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Galesburg

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to Galesburg Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Galesburg. Traveling by train from Chicago to Galesburg usually takes 3 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Distance156 mi (251 km)
Fastest train2h 36m
Lowest price$25.89
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Southwest Chief
Train lines5

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Galesburg

(Based on 13 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Debra

June 15, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Pros: I loved seeing family. Cons: The Staffs attitude. Tips: Embrace the fact that something may go wrong and pray that the delays won't be so long and intensed.

4.0

Zeeya

July 6, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Carl Sandburg

Pros: Smooth and in time journey. Cons: N/A.

4.0

Jenna Lynn

February 6, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: I did not have to drive myself to Chicago. Cons: In Chicago when boarding they didn’t assign a seat. In Galesburg when boarding they did. A little confusing. Tips: Sit back and enjoy.

5.0

Michael

June 30, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Very comfortable. Cons: N/A. Tips: No.

5.0

David

January 9, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: I like that i arrived on time and passengers was loud nor rude. Cons: N/A. Tips: Be respectful to other passengers and train staff and be patient.

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Galesburg?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Galesburg was $63.25. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Galesburg if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $51.83.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Galesburg by travel date

$143$95$48JunJul

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Galesburg is expected to fluctuate between $57 and $139 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Galesburg in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Chicago is $63.

Monthly avg. prices

$102$82$61$41$20ASONDJFMAMJJ
You can find the lowest prices on this route during April. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chicago to Galesburg, with the average price at just $59. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in December, when the average price goes up to $76. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$102$82$61$41$203020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Galesburg on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $51.83 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Galesburg?

There are 5 train lines with service from Chicago to Galesburg. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak16h 37m$90.80
Amtrak California Zephyr12h 43m$106.04
Amtrak Carl Sandburg12h 41m$39.05
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr12h 46m$46.89
Amtrak Southwest Chief12h 36m$100.75

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Galesburg every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $72.

  • Amtrak’s California Zephyr travels over 2,400 miles to connect Chicago to the San Francisco area. The full journey takes over 50 hours, so many passengers upgrade to a sleeper cabin for added privacy and comfort. The Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes, and the sightseer lounge’s panoramic windows offer the best views of the Rockies, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Great Salt Lake along the route.

  • The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.

  • The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Chicago to Galesburg is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

  • The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Galesburg in about 2 hours and 36 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Galesburg

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Galesburg. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Chicago and Galesburg is approximately 156 miles, or 251 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 36 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Chicago to Galesburg are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Galesburg. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Galesburg to Chicago.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Galesburg

Galesburg is best known as the birthplace of writer and poet Carl Sandburg, with the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site erected in his honor. If you love the look of Carl’s boyhood cottage, you can stay in a historic home of your own – several, including the Great House of Galesburg, have been converted into charming bed-and-breakfasts across town.

Galesburg is also known for its historic involvement in the local railroad system, notably connecting Illinois’ largest (at the time) cities, Chicago and Quincy. In fact, the Galesburg Railroad Museum functions solely to preserve and share the history of the railroad industry in Galesburg and Western Illinois. The city even holds an annual festival, the Galesburg Railroad Days, complete with rides, live music, and open-air markets to celebrate the city’s railroad roots. And it’s not just literal railroads– Galesburg was originally founded by abolitionists and became a critical stop to freedom in the Underground Railroad.

Galesburg remains a major railway hub, acting as one of the stops for some of Amtrak’s most popular lines. The Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, and Southwest Chief all operate daily to connect Galesburg west to Chicago. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr reaches all the way to Los Angeles. Galesburg also has two main bus stations for Greyhound and Burlington Trailways. These carriers provide coverage to Denver, St. Louis, and Moline, which has the closest airport to Galesburg, Quad Cities Airport.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in Galesburg?

Main arrival station: 225 S Seminary St

Galesburg has one train station.

Train stations in Galesburg:

  • 225 S Seminary St

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Galesburg by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Related reading

Need a return trip from Galesburg to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.